Happy 2018 to you and yours!!! 

I can't believe 2017 is gone already... Life moves so quickly. When the boys were babies, random strangers would constantly approach us while we were out for a walk or at the grocery store. Thing One and Thing Two would be in a stroller or shopping cart, Thing Three in a front pack plastered to my chest, and they would ooh and ahh, complimenting me on how darling the boys were (really, I'm not biased). What I remember most was the number of times they would warn "time moves quickly, enjoy every moment" and "Your boys will grow up in a blink of an eye"..."Enjoy them now, because before you know it, they will be grown and gone". It was one of those things that I heard so often it began to sounded like the adult voices on a Peanut's cartoon "Waaawaaa wa waaawaa waaa".

Fast forwarding to present day,  the well meaning strangers were right. The time did go by faster than I ever thought imaginable. The boys have morphed from my little Things into independent human beings... well, most of the time. Thing One has moved out West to try being a ski bum (so far he is not very good at it because he would rather eat seafood alfredo than the prerequisite ski bum meal of Ramen noodles),Thing Two is in college taking academia by storm and Thing Three is saving to buy his own car. Months and years have flown by...heck, at the end of most days I can't quite figure out where the time went. We are all so busy trying to "get things done", checking items off of the interminable  "To Do" list. We whiz through life multi tasking and in my case, improvising most of the time. I get caught up in all the things I need to get done in a day and before I realize how late it is, Thing Three is inquiring about dinner...wait, I think - didn't I just feed you breakfast?  But alas, it truly is time to feed the darling boy and I have not even given it a minutes thought...panic.

I have a friend that start's her family's dinner as soon as she is done feeding them breakfast. She takes great pride in rattling off (read: bragging) about what she has going in the crock pot or what divine casserole she just has to warm up and voila - dinner is ready. Grrrrr - let's be honest, who really wants to think about dinner at breakfast. Who really wants to be that organized and on top of their game...doesn't it take all the challenge out of the early evening witching hour when everyone is hungry (irritable) and tired (even more irritable). My Mom always had dinner for the entire week planned out. She would write out what we would have  on the back of a white envelope or an index card and stick it on the door of the refrigerator.  It was ok knowing what you were having for dinner even before you knew what you were having for lunch. It was sort of nice knowing what to expect...even though surprises are much more fun. Expectations and reliability have their place... spontaneity can sometimes be overrated (not often though). As an adult  I might like having a dinner time game plan. It might make life a little calmer and...totally boring.

I think maybe, planning dinner menus a week in advance, like leftovers, may just not really be my thing. I work much better under pressure. I like the challenge of foraging through the refrigerator, desperately searching for ingredients to turn into an acceptable, if not delightful, meal. The creative process of combining a little of this with a little of that...the energy surge every time Thing Three asks when dinner is going to be ready.

In an attempt to be more like my Mom, I have recently begun to tame my wild adrenaline junky dinner demon a little bit. I have started cooking some of the recipes that I actually share with students in my "30 Minute Meals" cooking class. If I keep a supply of essential ingredients in the pantry, I can still procrastinate starting dinner until even my stomach is rumbling and then grab my trusty "30 Minute Meals" recipe. I hit the pantry, rattle about in the fridge, stir, season and serve dinner way before the BF suggests ordering pizza. Victory is mine. Menu plans and cooking dinner at breakfast work for some people...but, this gal need spontaneity and a few key ingredients to end another day on a high note.

Enjoy the moments -

Boo
Taste of Spain
Wednesday, January 10th, 6:00-9:00pm
$50.00 per person

Come and enjoy the flavor's of Spain...with a little spice and a lot of flavor!! Grab a friend and a bottle of dry spanish wine and learn to prepare a traditional Tortilla Espanola, Fennel and saffron stew, chickpea and Chorizo chicken, savory empanadas and Arroz Verde....and much more.
Sign me up!
Hearty Soups and Fall Salads
Wednesday, January 24th, 6:00-9:00pm
$50.00 per person

Fall is the time of year when the brisk winds begin to make you think about cozying up with a hot and steamy bowl of soup and a fall salad. You will learn how to prepare simple yet delectable soups and salads that will warm your insides and chase away thoughts of winter! Curried tomato soup with quinoa, creamy onion soup with thyme, salmon leek chowder, beef and winter vegetable, pear gouda and kale salad, apple beet and walnut salad...

Divine Italian Dinner Party
Wednesday, February 7th, 6:00-9:00pm
$50.00 per person

Do you have a flair for Italian cooking? Why not learn how to use some traditional Italian recipes, with a twist. This class will teach you how to use the usual cooking methods and flavors with a variety of new ingredient. Cannellini and Arugula Crostini, Spinach, Pear and Walnut Salad, Chicken Osso Bucco, Potato and Shallot Gratin...
Taste of India
Wednesday, February 28th, 6:00-9:00pm
$50.00 per person

A very popular and trendy cuisine comes from India; the food warms the body and soothes the spirit. Indian menus consist of brightly colored vegetables and rich flavored sauces, alongside tender meats and poultry.  Learn to make an Indian dinner for 6 that is quick and easy to prepare, traditional in taste, and delicious! Everyone wants something new. This might just be the ticket!

New Recipes!!
Finger Foods and Small Bites
Wednesday, March 7th, 6:00-9:00pm
$50.00 per person

Small bites are fun to make and even more fun to eat!! Make this year that you gather your family and friends for a finger food feast!! Spinach feta and sun dried tomato triangles, bacon cheddar and leek mini quiche, risotto with mint and baby peas... and more

New Recipes!!
30 Minute Meals
Wednesday, March 21st, 6:00-9:00pm
$50.00 per person

Small bites are fun to make and even more fun to eat!! Make this year that you gather your family and friends for a finger food feast!! Spinach feta and sun dried tomato triangles, bacon cheddar and leek mini quiche, risotto with mint and baby peas... and more

Did you know we are a full service catering company?
Weddings, family reunions, corporate functions, and more.

Don't forget about our Private Cooking Classes!
They are the perfect solution for birthdays, anniversaries, office parties, and more